Male oriented?

In martial arts, men usually have a distinct advantage.
Most systems were designed with the male physique in mind and often rely upon innate strength and aggression.

Women may succeed with any martial art, but why train an art that doesn't favour the female body?
Why not train an art that prioritises use of the legs, buttocks and torso?
Where composure is encouraged rather than machismo?

The movements are difficult and often performed in opposition to a fellow trainee. Because of this, students quickly become disciplined and aware of the need not to be hurt or to hurt others. The aggressive urges that brought the student to the training hall are soon controlled, and guided into constructive activity by the instructor. Under this guidance, the student's confidence grows and fear recedes. At the same time an awareness of physical being, of the body's shape, size and potential ability, is born.

(Howard Reid)

Making changes

Although it is not easy to make changes, we all can do it.
There are some simple steps to follow:

1. Become aware of what you are doing (habit)
2. Inhibit (stop) the urge/habit
3. Consider your options
4. Consciously act

In the field of martial arts practice, this 4 step process is too slow for combat but it can be trained in partner practice.
Over time, old habits are shed and new/more effective habits replace them.
The ideal situation is where the student can respond spontaneously and appropriately to whatever is happening (as it is happening) without the need to consciously think at all. 

Balance

The life of a martial artist is simple:

1. You attend classes
2. You study
3. You practice

Somewhere along the line the training begins to affect your life.
You become calmer and more balanced.
You stop being so afraid.
You move systematically through the syllabus.
The student stops blaming other people for the problems in their life.
They take responsibility.
They mature.
They find balance.

A young boy travelled across Japan to the school of a famous martial artist.
When he arrived at the dojo he was given an audience by the sensei.

"What do you wish from me?" the master asked.

"I wish to be your student and become the finest karateka in the land," the boy replied.
"How long must I study?"

"Ten years at least," the master answered.

"Ten years is a long time," said the boy.
"What if I studied twice as hard as all your other students?"

"Twenty years," replied the master.

"Twenty years! What if I practice day and night with all my effort?"

"Thirty years," was the master's reply.

"How is it that each time I say I will work harder, you tell me that it will take longer?" the boy asked.

"The answer is clear. When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the way."

(Joe Hyams)

A couple of days ago, sitting in the train, I read the part about Girl's Night self defence from the information you send me. I laughed out loud a couple of times, people around me wondering what was the matter....

Well, this: apart from the fact that I really like the pointy, dry, kind of merciless humour of the text (is that correct English?), I find the involvement of tights and a real man to work with/on - amazingly convincing. The right ingredients. Together, of course, with the Asian/martial and multi-layered approach. I haven't read or heard anything of this kind before. It inspires me.

It is simply not acceptable that women and girls suffer from men's bad behaviour, in whatever way. It is simply not acceptable that we are kept naive.

I had to Google what Haarlem and surrounding areas had on offer for women's self defence. Most courses are Krav Maga or of the 'tips & tricks'- style. And: nothing for girls!!

I am inspired and thinking... I might have to do something about this. I still have to learn a lot myself, but, who knows - a seed is planted. I let you know.

(Saskia)

What do school members get for their money?

• Attend once or twice a week 
• Train up to 2 hours a night
• Fully-differentiated syllabus 
• Authentic skills 
• High quality tuition • Professional learning environment
• Extensive range of skills available  • Address individual health concerns & training requirements
• Extremely thorough exploration of the art(s)
• Study new material every week
• Work through the full curriculum
• Receive regular corrections, tips & pointers
• Request bespoke tuition
• Access to highly detailed school DVDs
• Discuss taijiquan theory and related philosophies with Master Waller
• Attend workshops, boot camp and class social events • Advanced level of understanding
• Follows the teachings of the Tai Chi Classics
• Explore 1300 page on-line taijiquan database with guidance from Master Waller

Without formal training, the larger and stronger naturally defeat the smaller and weaker. Therefore, a basic premise of training must be that the methods employed should make it possible for the smaller and weaker to defeat the larger and stronger.
(Tim Cartmell)

Fun

Training in our school is fun, friendly and gently challenging.
Many of the skills seem counter-intuitive.
We will invite you to consider new options, possibilities and choices. To drop long-held preconceptions.

Realism

Self defence training begins with the fundamentals of effective body use and slowly moves through different levels of threat.
Escaping from holds, evading and counter-attacking are preliminary concerns.
Eventually you must learn how to handle armed assailants and multiple opponents.

Peter Southwood's tips #24 Hydrate

Aim to drink at least 1.5 litres of water every day.
Preferably mineral water or filtered water.

Peter Southwood's tips #23 Apply the lessons in everyday life

If you do not apply the lessons in everyday life, you will compartmentalise them.
Wisdom in the training hall and during study is one thing.
Wisdom in daily life is something else entirely.

Peter Southwood's tips #18 Power

Do not force, tense up or hold - just quietly do the exercises thoroughly and well.
Without exertion or strain.
Strength will follow.

Peter Southwood's tips #22 What is the message?

In your conduct and application; ask yourself: what is the message?
Be clear about the meaning behind what you do.
Clarity is essential.

Peter Southwood's tips #21Thoughtful

Make any gift relativistic; the size is determined by intention/purpose.
A gift demonstrates sincerity more significantly than words do.
Be thoughtful.

Peter Southwood's tips #20 Gifts

Chinese culture is very fond of gift-giving.
Show respect by giving small tokens of appreciation.
But not for the sake of it.

Peter Southwood's tips #19 Respect your instructor

Even if you do not agree with your instructor, do not be tempted to argue.
Inevitably you lack the entire story.
Your hostility and contention only serve to make you look narrow-minded and foolish.

Bide your time and let the lesson unfold.

The website is having babies...

Sifu keeps discovering pages on his website that he can't remember writing...

Not cheap

Martial arts lessons are not cheap.

Usually you should expect to pay for some (or all) of these items:

1. Monthly tuition fees
2. Annual membership
3. Affiliation with a third party organisation/federation
4. Insurance
5. Licence
6. Competitions
7. Grading (usually quarterly)
8. Uniform
9. Patches/badges
10. Equipment/weaponry

Many classes expect new students to buy a uniform within a month of starting a class.
The new starter is also asked to pay annual membership, insurance and commit to a monthly standing order.

Uncommon

If you are studying an internal art, then you are not the average member of the public.
You have chosen to learn one of the more challenging martial arts.
This is not what most people do with their time.

Your curiosity had led you on a journey that is not for everyone.
It requires a steady commitment, patience, enthusiasm, money and time.
In order to make progress you will have to make choices, face doubts and be criticised by your peers.